Portable Toilet Seat Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to the field of toilet seats. More specifically, the present invention relates to a non-disposable portable toilet seat device, with configurations for toddler, child and adult-sized seats, that attaches to a fixed toilet of a public restroom. The device&#39;s body is primarily made up of a base, lid, vertical frame arm and a seat cushion with a continuous opening, thereby allowing access to the bowl of the fixed toilet. A lid is attached to the base through the vertical frame arm so that the device can fold together for transport or fold out for use. In this manner, a user can conveniently travel with the device and deploy its use for a more sanitary restroom experience.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/233,819, which was filed on Aug. 17, 2021and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of toilet seats.More specifically, the present invention relates to a non-disposableportable toilet seat device, with configurations for toddler, child andadult-sized seats, that attaches to a fixed toilet of a public restroom.The device's body is primarily made up of a base, lid, vertical framearm and a seat cushion with a continuous opening, thereby allowingaccess to the bowl of the fixed toilet. A lid is attached to the basethrough the vertical frame arm so that the device can fold together fortransport or fold out for use. In this manner, a user can convenientlytravel with the device and deploy its use for a more sanitary restroomexperience. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific referencethereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of thepresent invention are also equally applicable to other likeapplications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

In many respects, public restrooms offer a valuable convenience for mostusers. However, this convenience is often necessary, and a user can beleft with no other option than to use the public restroom nearest them.These public facilities are often ridden with harmful bacteria, germs,microorganisms, residual urine, fecal matter and other bodily fluids, aswell as many more unsightly and grotesque matters. Locations such asconstruction sites and busy rest stops are just some of the manyexamples where users are left stranded with one option, which includesundesirable and unsanitary restroom conditions. In an attempt toovercome said undesirable and unsanitary restroom conditions, users maybe forced to fashion makeshift covers out of toilet paper to preventdirect skin contact with a public toilet seat. However, this process istedious and ineffective. Paper seat covers can also move, rip andcrumble, invariably leaving the user with a less than satisfactoryshield from the public toilet seat. Moreover, a parent or guardian canbe left inconvenienced and stranded if a toilet seat is too large for achild to use properly.

Therefore, to mitigate the spread of harmful elements, there exists along-felt need in the art for a device that provides a barrier betweenthe user and a public toilet seat. There is also a long-felt need in theart for a device with a sturdy and durable barrier, that allows thedevice to function effectively. Further, there also exists a long-feltneed in the art for a device that is easily portable and lightweight,such that the device can accompany the user in his or her travels andeveryday endeavors. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the artfor a portable toilet seat device that fits the individual user's size.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a non-disposable portable toilet seat device. Thedevice is primarily comprised of a base, lid, vertical frame arm and aseat cushion with a continuous opening, that allows access to the bowlof a toilet. The device is designed to be lightweight and easilytransportable in a carrying bag. The carrying bag comes with severalintegrated pockets that can store many objects, such as but not limitedto disinfectant spray and wet wipes. The user can deploy the device on afixed toilet of a public restroom to create a more sanitary, comfortableand customized experience, and form a barrier between the user and theundesirable debris often found on public toilets.

In this manner, the portable toilet seat device of the present inventionaccomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and creates a barrierbetween a user and an unsanitary public toilet. Further, the deviceoffers the user a sturdy seat that accurately mimics the feeling of anactual toilet seat, without sacrificing its lightweight structure. Inthis manner, the device can easily be transported from location tolocation to fulfill the user's needs. The device also ensures that eachuser has a clean place to sit when using a toilet, thereby improvingeach user's restroom experience. Moreover, child configurations of thedevice offer a smaller seat that is more proportioned to the size of achild, which is particularly advantageous for a parent or guardian whomay be in the processing of potty-training his or her child.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a portable toilet seat device that can be attachedand secured onto the seat of a toilet. A bottom layer acts as a base forthe portable toilet seat. The base is preferably made with a durableplastic and utilizes a non-slip surface. The base can also be configuredwith suction cups to enhance the seat's grip, or a series of ropes andbuckles that may be attached to the base and wrap around the bowl of thefixed toilet. Situated on the base is a cushioned seat that is hollowedout in its center, thereby allowing access to the bowl of the fixedtoilet. A lid is secured to the seat through a hinge, which enables theseat to be folded. The lid can be secured to the base by a verticalframe arm that connects to a hinge fastened on the lid's top side. Thearm is then locked in by a grooved portion on the backside of the topsurface of the base.

Both the seat and bottom side of the lid are cushioned. Preferably, avinyl-covered padding surrounds a wood or plastic core that would formthe seat. This padding also covers the entire bottom surface of the lid.In this manner, the lid can serve as a comfortable backrest when foldedoutwards and secured. In different embodiments, the cushioned seat andlid may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia, such aspatterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words,characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc.

The device is designed to fold inward and be effortlessly placed in acarrying bag. This carrying bag is configured with a series of pocketsthat allows the user to transport different objects such as wet wipes,diapers or disinfectant spray along with the device. This carrying bagcan be made of a multitude of lightweight and durable fabrics. For achild-oriented bag, different embodiments may be comprised of aplurality of decorative indicia, such as patterns, logos, emblems,images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals,advertisements, brands, etc.

Accordingly, the portable toilet seat device of the present invention isparticularly advantageous as it allows the user to transport the devicewith relative ease. In this manner, the user can deploy the device tomake his or her experience in a public restroom more sanitary andcomfortable. Therefore, the device eliminates the need to constructineffective, makeshift devices, and affords the user the privilege andpeace of mind of turning any public restroom into a restroom that mimicshis or her own.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of aportable toilet seat device of the present invention in an openedposition in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodimentof a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in asemi-folded position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodimentof a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in an openedposition in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of aportable toilet seat device of the present invention in an openedposition while on a toilet seat (shown as prior art) in accordance withthe disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of aportable toilet seat device of the present invention in a foldedposition and one potential embodiment of a carrying bag of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of one potential method of using onepotential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are notintended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limitthe scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment neednot have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in otherembodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for anon-disposable portable toilet seat. There also exists a long-felt needin the art for a portable toilet seat that is easily washable andreusable. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for aportable seat that is durable and stable, yet still easilytransportable. In this manner, a user can effectively deploy the devicewhen needed, with the least amount of effort. In addition, there existsa long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet seat device thateliminates the need for a user to construct a makeshift paper toiletseat cover out of toilet paper, which can be ineffective and unsanitary.Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toiletseat device customized to its distinct user. Specifically, there existsa long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet seat device that isproportioned such that it suits the small stature of a toddler or child,who may need assistance while potty-training.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of aportable toilet seat device that allows the user to deploy the device ontop of a fixed toilet of a public or private restroom. The device isprimarily comprised of a bottom layer (or base), a cushioned seat, a toplayer (or lid) and a vertical support frame. The seat and the bottomsurface of the lid are preferably fashioned with a vinyl-coveredpadding, but can also be fashioned in differing water-resistant fabrics.Beyond the sanitary benefits that the seat provides for the user, thecushioned components of the device provide a user with a morecomfortable bathroom experience, as opposed to the hard and unsanitarysurfaces of a public toilet.

The device can be customized primarily in three differing sizes:toddler, child and adult. These embodiments preferably fit the varyingsizes of either a toddler, child or adult body. In differingembodiments, the surface of the padded components of the device may becomprised of a plurality of indicia. The device is preferably stored ina decorative carrying bag with several integrated pockets. The pocketscan store various items, such as but not limited to disinfect spray andwet wipes, such that the device can be cleaned before and after use. Thecarrying bag can likewise feature similar indicia as the paddedcomponents mentioned supra.

A vertical frame arm attaches to the base and a hinge on the top side ofthe lid to allow the lid to be erected upwards at a 90-degree angle, sothat the cushioned bottom side of the lid can serve as a backrest forthe user. In this manner, the lid may act as a barrier between the userand the lid of the fixed toilet, which may contain unsanitary objects,fluids, germs, etc.

Accordingly, the portable toilet seat of the present invention isparticularly advantageous as it allows the user to transport and deploythe device easily. The device can universally fit on all public toilets,thereby eliminating the need for a user to construct a makeshift seatcover out of toilet paper. As a result, the user can efficiently andeffectively mitigate the spread of harmful germs and keep from cominginto contact with other grotesque objects and fluids.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat system ordevice of the present invention, in an opened position in accordancewith the disclosed architecture. The system or device 100 is primarilycomprised of a base 132 that supports the overall structure of thedevice 100. The base 132 is preferably made from a durable plastic, andcan be comprised of a multitude of materials, such as but not limitedto: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile,butadiene, styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-densitypolyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate,polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon,fiberglass, etc. The bottom surface 146 of the base 132 can be coated inan adhesive layer 1460 that may have anti-bacterial/anti-microbialproperties that allow the device 100 to be fastened securely to thefixed toilet 10 (shown as prior art). Alternatively, at least onesuction cup 1462 may be attached to the bottom surface 146 to provideadditional or alternative fastening options, and may also haveanti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties.

A seat cushion 110 is preferably fastened with a waterproof,vinyl-covered padding that has anti-bacterial/anti-microbial propertiesand surrounds the inner core of the seat. The cushion 110 may befashioned with a plurality of decorative indicia 1100, such as patterns,logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters,animals, advertisements, brands, etc. In differing embodiments, thecushion 110 may be of three differing sizes: toddler, child and adult.These embodiments preferably fit the varying sizes of either a toddler,child or adult body.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodimentof a portable toilet seat device 100 of the present invention in asemi-folded position, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Thedevice 100 is also comprised of a lid 120 that is preferably comprisedof the same durable plastic as the base 132. The lid 120 is furthersecured to the rear end of the seat cushion 110 through at least onehinge 126 that may be spring-loaded in one embodiment. The hinge 126allows the lid 120 to be folded up for use, or folded down for transportor use. A secondary at least one hinge 1220 is removably or fixedlyfastened to the top surface 122 of the lid 120, wherein a vertical framearm 130 can be fixedly or removably-secured to the hinge 1220 and freelyarticulate. When the lid 120 is folded upwards, the vertical frame arm120 can be locked into place by being secured into a groove 144, locatedat the rear end of the top surface 142 of the base 140. Once locked intoplace, the lid 120 can be securely-erected at approximately a 90-degreeangle, and acts as a backrest for the user and a barrier to the fixedtoilet 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodimentof a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in an openedposition in accordance with the disclosed architecture. When the lid 120is erected at a 90-degree angle, the vertical frame arm 130 (which issecured to the spring-loaded hinge 1220 on the top surface 122 of thelid 120) rotates downward and is locked into place by the groove 144located at the rear end of the base 140 on the top surface 142.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of aportable toilet seat device of the present invention in an openedposition while on a toilet seat 10 (shown as prior art) in accordancewith the disclosed architecture. The base 140 is designed to be placedon the surface of the fixed toilet seat 10. The bottom surface 114 ofthe cushioned seat 110 is preferably fastened to the top surface 142 ofthe base 140 via an adhesive layer 116. The cushion 110 and base 140further have corresponding continuous openings 112,148 that lead to thebowl of the fixed toilet 10. In this manner, the user can utilize thefixed toilet's 10 functions without coming into contact with the fixedtoilet 10 itself. The bottom surface of the lid 120 is also preferablyfashioned with a waterproof, vinyl-covered padding 1242 that may haveanti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties. This padding 1240 can bedecorated with indicia 1242 similar to that which decorates the cushion110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of aportable toilet seat device 100 of the present invention in a foldedposition, and one potential embodiment of a carrying bag 200 of thepresent invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Thecarrying bag 200 can be made out of different durable fabrics, such asbut not limited to: vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, cotton,damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, polyester satin, silk spandex,suede, tweed, twill velvet, etc. The carrying bag 200 is equipped with aplurality of pockets 206 that will hold objects, such as but not limitedto a disinfectant spray 208, a plurality of wet disinfecting wipes 210,etc. In this manner, the user has easy access to equipment to clean thedevice 100 before and after use to ensure it is sanitary. To securethese objects, a flap 207 can be deployed using a fastener 2060 such as,but not limited to, a snap button, hook and loop, magnetic fastener,etc. to the pocket 206. To transport the device 100, the user may openthe carrying bag 200 using the flaps 202, and place the device 100 intothe interior space 212. Once secured, the user may carry the bag 200using the handles 204 found on the top flaps 202. In a differentembodiment, the carrying bag 202 may feature at least one carrying strap214, allowing the user to transport the carrying bag 200 on his or herback.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of one potential method 300 of using onepotential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device 100 of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. First, a userremoves the device 100 from the carrying bag 200 and applies the base140 to the lid of a toilet seat 10 (Block 302). Next, the user opens thelid 120 and secures it in an upright position, by placing the base 132into the groove 144 (Block 304). Then, a user can use the device 100 touse the toilet 10 (Block 306). After a user has finished using thetoilet 10, the device 100 can be removed from the toilet 10, disinfectedusing the spray 208 and wipes 210 and returned to a folded position tobe stored in the carrying bag 200.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “portable toilet seat device” and“device”, are interchangeable and refer to the portable toilet seatdevice 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the portable toilet seat device 100 of thepresent invention and its various components can be of any suitable sizeand configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overallconcept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-statedobjectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thesize, configuration and material of the portable toilet seat device 100as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that manyother sizes and shapes of the portable toilet seat device 100 are wellwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions ofthe portable toilet seat device 100 are important design parameters foruser convenience, the portable toilet seat device 100 may be of anysize, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance duringuse and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable toilet seat device comprising: a base;a cushion that attaches to the base; and a lid that attaches to thecushion and the base.
 2. The portable toilet seat device of claim 1further comprising a carrying bag comprised of a plurality of pockets,wherein the base can be placed onto an existing toilet seat of a toiletand a user can sit on the cushion once the base has been placed onto thetoilet seat.
 3. The portable toilet seat device of claim 2, wherein thebase and the cushion are each further comprised of a continuous openingthat allows the user to use the toilet while sitting on the portabletoilet seat device.
 4. A portable toilet seat system comprising: a basecomprised of a continuous opening and a top surface that has a groove,wherein the base can be secured to a seat of a toilet; a cushion thatattaches to the base and is comprised of a continuous opening; a lidthat attaches to the cushion via a first hinge and to the base via asecond hinge; and a carrying bag comprised of a plurality of pockets andat least one carrying strap.
 5. The portable toilet seat system of claim4, wherein the cushion may be a select one of a toddler size, a childsize, and an adult size.
 6. The portable toilet seat system of claim 4,wherein a bottom surface of the base is comprised of an adhesive layerthat allows the base to be secured to the toilet.
 7. The portable toiletseat system of claim 4, wherein a bottom surface of the base iscomprised of an at least one suction cup that allows the base to besecured to the toilet.
 8. A portable toilet seat system comprising: abase comprised of a continuous opening and a top surface having agroove, wherein the base can be secured to a seat of a toilet; a cushionthat attaches to the base and is comprised of a continuous opening; alid that attaches to the cushion via a first hinge and to the base via asecond hinge, wherein a bottom surface of the lid is comprised of apadding; a carrying bag comprised of a plurality of pockets and at leastone carrying strap; a disinfecting spray; and a plurality ofdisinfecting wipes.
 9. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8,wherein the first hinge that attaches the lid to the cushion allows theportable toilet seat system to fold.
 10. The portable toilet seat systemof claim 8, wherein the second hinge that attaches the lid to the baseallows the lid to be secured in an upwards position at 90 degreesrelative to the base.
 11. The portable toilet seat system of claim 10,wherein the lid can be locked in the upwards position at 90 degrees byplacing a base of a vertical frame arm that attaches to the lid in thegroove of the top surface of the base.
 12. The portable toilet seatsystem of claim 8, wherein a bottom surface of the cushion is fastenedto a top surface of the base via an adhesive layer.
 13. The portabletoilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the cushion and the padding ofthe bottom surface of the lid are comprised of a plurality of indicia.14. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the cushion iscomprised of a waterproof material having anti-bacterial andanti-microbial properties.
 15. The portable toilet seat system of claim8, wherein the padding of the lid is comprised of a waterproof materialhaving anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
 16. The portabletoilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the portable toilet seat systemis installed onto a lid of the toilet.
 17. The portable toilet seatsystem of claim 16, wherein a user can use the portable toilet seatsystem as a toilet accessory while it is installed on the toilet. 18.The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the portable toiletseat system is stored and transported in the carrying bag when not inuse.
 19. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein thecarrying bag further comprises a flap to close at least one of theplurality of pockets.
 20. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8,wherein the base is comprised of a durable plastic.